An eventful 2008 tour season will come to a close in six weeks, and fall is the perfect time to take a family trek to the foot of the scenic Appalachian Mountains and the Kangaroo Conservation Center.

The last scheduled 2008 tour date for the KCC is Saturday, Nov. 29, and tour tickets are available online through www.kangaroocenter.com. Weather dependant, tours may be offered into early December. Fall is a perfect time to visit as the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are comfortable for enjoying the kangaroos and the views. Tour days and dates vary so potential visitors are strongly encouraged to check the tour calendars on the website for the most up-to-date information regarding availability.

The holidays are also just around the corner, and there are hundreds of gift options in the KCC's "Aussie Outpost"  in-store and online on www.kangaroocenter.com for those on your shopping list. One benefit of shopping at the KCC is that all Outpost sale proceeds go to the care and benefit of the kangaroo population residing in the 87-acre facility.  As the Center is closed to the public from mid-December through early March, funds from tour sales drop off and online Aussie Outpost sales become important to help fund the operation.

Clothing in stock includes cozy hoodies, vintage-design t-shirts, Outback hats and baseball caps. For the gardener, the KCC has a selection of ceramic mushrooms, aromatic Eucalyptus plant seeds for growing at home, whimsical frog and gecko pot hangers as well as kangaroo and cockatoo garden statuary. Other gift items include nature-inspired hand-fired ceramic tiles, porcelain figurines, natural wood hiking sticks, unique jewelry and beautiful garlands of butterflies. There are also Christmas ornaments with an Aussie flavor.

Want to give gifts that are Green? The Aussie Outpost is proud to offer unique items that help conserve our environment. Both beautiful and creative, these products are made from recycled or natural elements. Wall art in the shape of turtles and geckos is made from recycled metal. Photo frames are composed of recycled magazines. Suncatchers are made from recycled glass, here in the USA. "Ellie Pooh Paper," created in colorful Kangaroo designs exclusively for our Center, is handcrafted in Sri Lanka using Elephant Pooh and Paddy Paper.  It is pulped to perfection and completely odor free! The paper has a substantial texture and appearance like beautiful craft paper and is available in notebooks, photo frames, paper cubes and address books.

Selected as "Best Animal Encounter" in Atlanta magazine's Best of Atlanta 2006, profiled by NBC-TV's "Today" show, The New York Times, Smithsonian and Delta Sky magazines and rated "Fodor's Choice" by Fodor's The Carolinas and Georgia, 17th Edition in 2007 - the KCC features the largest kangaroo collection outside of Australia.

The staff at the Kangaroo Conservation Center have successfully bred and cared for a dozen different species of marsupials for over 25 years. The KCC, certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is dedicated to the preservation of kangaroo species through captive breeding and public education.

The "Aussie Adventure" guided tour admission (excluding sales tax) is $30 for adults, $28 for senior citizens (65 and over) and $25 for children ages 6-17. The Wander DownUnder self-guided walking tour is $18 per person, plus tax. For up-to-date ticket availability, and to purchase tickets, go to www.kangaroocenter.com. Group rates are available - contact the KCC at (706) 265-6100 or visit the web site for more details and tour date availability.

To reach the Kangaroo Conservation Center from Atlanta, take Georgia Hwy. 400 North to Hwy. 136. Go left (west) on Hwy. 136 and travel 12 miles. Turn right onto Bailey-Waters Road at the Forrest Hills Conference Center sign. Drive about 100 yards to the first entrance on the right - just look for the large bamboo gate.

Member AZA & IAAPA The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.